WASHINGTON — Turnout appeared to be high in many parts of the country, with long waits at some polling places.

More than 131 million people turned out to vote for president in 2008, shattering all previous records. This year, both Republican Mitt Romney and President Barack Obama were counting on their supporters to show up in high numbers.

Obama was hoping for robust turnout among minorities, a key component of his winning 2008 coalition, while Romney was looking for a strong showing among working-class white men, a group that has leaned his way in polls.

Anecdotal reports from across the country suggested voters were enthusiastically making their voices heard. Long lines were reported from Michigan to Florida, from Nebraska to South Carolina.

Even before polls opened on Election Day, more than 32 million people had cast their ballots, either by mail or in person, in 34 states and the District of Columbia. In a number of states, including Iowa, Maryland and Montana, early voting was on track to far exceed totals from 2008.

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